The 2nd edition of the Junior World Kabaddi Championship concluded on 4th March 2023 in Urmia, Iran on Saturday, as India claimed the trophy after beating the hosts 41-33 in the Final. This was India's first appearance in the Junior World Kabaddi Championship as they remained unbeaten in the tournament right from the get-go and defeated the inaugural champions.

Jaipur Pink Panthers' ace left corner Ankush Rathee led the young brigade as the captain alongside various emerging stars from vivo Pro Kabaddi Season 9. Dabang Delhi K.C.'s Manjeet was the vice-captain of the side. The best debutant of vivo Pro
Kabaddi Season 9, Narender, led the offence for India alongside U Mumba's emerging prodigy Jai Bhagwan. Sagar from Patna Pirates supported the team in the defence.

Coach of the defending champions of vivo Pro Kabaddi Sanjeev Baliyan and former vivo Pro Kabaddi's title-winning captain Anup Kumar were named the coaches of this team.

The Indian junior kabaddi team ended the league stage unbeaten, following their one-sided victories over Thailand and Bangladesh in Group C. After beating Chinese Taipei in the quarter-final 54-36, the men in blue continued to assert their
dominance with a thumping win over arch-rivals Pakistan 75-29 as they booked their place in the Final against the former champions, Iran.

The summit clash between India and Iran was evenly poised with the hosts leading by a single-point margin in the first half. With Iran leading by 32-30 with just two players remaining on the mat for India, Ankush Rathee executed a wonderful Super Tackle over the Iranian raider to save the team from an All-Out, which changed the complexion of the match. The Indian team ensured they got the upper hand from thereon and registered a convincing victory by eight points to claim the coveted
trophy.

Summary of the 2nd Junior World Kabaddi Championship 2023:

Final Result: India beat Iran by 41-33

Champions: India
Runners-Up: Iran
Third-placed teams: Pakistan and Nepal

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